TDF News

Briton Chris Froome (SKY) increased his gap as leader of the 2015 Tour de France with a solo victory in La Pierre-Saint-Martin (HC), first mountain-top finish of the 'Grande Boucle', after 167km where the Movistar Team took a starring role in the making of the course.

It was Imanol Erviti and Alex Dowsett's task to reduce gaps early with the day's breakaway -Fédrigo (BSE) and Vanbilsen (COF), who ammassed a 15' margin- and keep a steady, high pace which prepared things for a steep climb, in hot conditions and with terrain enough to see big gaps. At the botton of the ascent, Anacona, Castroviejo, Herrada and a notable Gorka Izagirre successively shrank the group, with the likes of Costa (LAM), Péraud (ALM), Pinot (FDJ), Urán (EQS), Mollema (TFR) or even Nibali (AST) losing contact.

Alberto Contador admits that he had a bad day after losing 2’51” on the first mountain stage of Tour de France to La Pierre-Saint-Martin. Despite being disappointed with the result of the day, the Tinkoff-Saxo team captain notes that the Tour is yet to be decided.

After fighting his way up the second part of La Pierre-Saint-Martin at his own rhythm ultimately loosing 2’51” to stage winner Chris Froome, Alberto Contador tells that he did not feel well on the final climb.

So the first 60kms or so of the stage are rolling, but the bigger climbs pop up from there. And this transition could be tough for some. The final climb, however, is the first HC in this year’s Tour. It’s also the first time the Tour has finished on the climb and the first time the Tour has used it from the French side. It’s supposed to be longer but less steep than the famous Alpe d’Huez.

Also, it’s Bastille Day—the French national holiday. Winning a stage on Bastille Day is every French rider’s dream. I don’t think it’s going to happen this year, though. Froome and Nibali have been looking aggressive lately, so I’m wondering if one of them may try to make a statement. Though more likely, most of the climb will be the GC riders marking each other until the closing kilometres.

Ivan Basso was diagnosed with a tumor in his left testicle and has to undergo operation for its removal. According to Tinkoff-Saxo doctor, Piet De Moor, "on stage 5 of the Tour de France, Basso suffered from a minor crash in which his left testicle was slightly injured. As the pain persisted, a lump was discovered and following further examination on Monday morning at the hospital in Pau, the presence of a tumor was confirmed."

Further treatment will be decided, depending on the final diagnosis.

As a result, Basso will not continue racing in the Tour de France and will return home as soon as possible.

Steven de Jongh, Head Sport Director of Tinkoff-Saxo commented: "As everybody understands, today is not a day to speak about the Tour de France, the days ahead or Alberto's main rivals on the mount stages. All that is irrelevant and we are all here solely to support Ivan. The entire team hopes to meet him again in Paris and hand him the yellow jersey."

Team Leader, Alberto Contador, stated on the news: "On behalf of the entire team I'd like to say that it has been a blow to all of us. We never imagined such a thing would happen. Ivan's health is the absolute priority and he has to undergo all the necessary tests to find the best solution. I'd like to stress that the entire team will give its best in order to get the yellow jersey and enjoy it in Paris with him.

During the 120 days that Ivan and I spent together, over the last 180 days, I was able to see what a great champion he is. I'm sure he will overcome this and we will see him in two weeks in Paris."